Bishop stresses patience as he waits for opportunity

Veteran linebacker Desmond Bishop was active for Sunday's season opener, but he did not play a single snap, even though the Detroit Lions had 77 offensive plays.

"I wish I could have played but I'm just being patient," Bishop said Monday.

Asked if he knows what it will take to get on the field, Bishop paused and said "luck."

Asked to clarify, he said, "I don't know. Just luck. I don't really know how to explain it."

The Vikings coaching staff kept Marvin Mitchell as the starter at outside linebacker coming out of preseason, which was not surprising considering Bishop is new to the system and he missed time in camp because of a groin injury. The team signed Bishop this summer after he missed the 2012 season in Green Bay because of a hamstring injury.

Bishop said he feels healthy. Now, he's just waiting for his opportunity.

"I think I've proven myself," he said. "Proved that I'm back healthy. I think that was the main thing they wanted to see. When I was healthy and when I played, I showed that I played at a high level. I don't think it was a talent thing. Just more of making sure my injury was [healed] and I was back healthy."

Bishop referenced his first three years in Green Bay when he started only one game.

"I was ready and I had to be patient for three years so I kind of got the hang of it now," he said. "It's definitely a little tough because I'm a competitor and I feel like I can help the team. But that's really not my call so I'm just waiting for my opportunity."